Health authorities have moved to calm public concern following reports of a so-called “super flu” circulating in the Philippines. According to the Department of Health (DOH), a total of 63 cases were recorded as of December, and all patients have already recovered.
The DOH emphasized that the illness is not a new disease, but a variant of influenza A, a virus that has long been present in the country. Officials stressed that while vigilance is important, there is no indication of an unusual outbreak.
Not a New Virus, DOH Clarifies
DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo said the term “super flu” can be misleading and may unnecessarily alarm the public.
“Trangkaso po ‘yan sa madaling salita. Matagal na po ‘yan umiikot,” Domingo explained, noting that its symptoms are no different from the usual flu. These include cough, colds, fever, and body aches.
Health officials reiterated that standard flu prevention measures—such as rest, hydration, and seeking medical care when symptoms worsen—remain effective against this variant.
Mucus vs Phlegm: What Doctors Want You to Know
As flu symptoms progress, coughing with phlegm often raises concern. Joy Sy, a board-certified physician at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, explained that many people confuse mucus with phlegm.
Mucus is thin, clear, and produced by the nose and sinuses to trap dust and germs. Phlegm, also known as sputum, is thicker and produced in the chest when the lungs are irritated or infected.
Recognizing the difference can help patients better understand what their bodies are experiencing during respiratory infections.
Does Phlegm Color Signal Something Serious?
Dr. Sy said phlegm color reflects how active the immune system is, largely due to white blood cells called neutrophils responding to infection.
- Yellow phlegm suggests mild immune response.
- Green phlegm points to stronger immune activity, often linked to infections such as bronchitis or sinusitis, according to Healthline.
Pediatrician Anna Aniag-Dimalanta noted that green phlegm can sometimes appear early if secretions have been present for a while.
More concerning are red, rust-colored, brown, or black phlegm, which may indicate bleeding, older blood, or rare infections and should not be ignored.
Still, doctors stress that phlegm color alone cannot determine whether an infection is viral or bacterial. Medical consultation is advised if discolored phlegm lasts longer than one to three weeks or if symptoms worsen.
